Ordering guns mail order

I have never ordered guns through mail order or internet. I was wondering if it`s a good thing to do?

I live in Illinois and know some states have laws as to how you can receive firearms. I think in Illinois the gun has to be shipped to a gun dealer if purchased out of state but I`m not sure though, does anyone here know?

Most all states require your purchase to be shipped to a licensed dealer so you can do a transfer. Hope this helps.

Jim Watson

November 24, 2010, 10:09 AM

The US Government requires that all interstate transfers go through a FFL dealer at least on the buyer's end. State law is on top of that. Some dealers require that a gun come FROM another dealer just to CYA on recordkeeping but that is not in the law.

kaferhaus

November 24, 2010, 10:10 AM

I will only buy new guns through the internet. At least there's some form of warranty.

Used guns are a huge risk as you have no recourse if it turns out to be a POS.

Any gun shipped from outside your state must go to a dealer. you can only directly receive long guns from a resident from inside your own state by mail.

natman

November 24, 2010, 10:18 AM

There are at least two levels of law at work here, both must be followed.

First is Federal law, which states that sales between residents of different states must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Any gunshop or pawnshop that sells guns will be an FFL.

Then there's state law. I'm not familiar with the details of Illinois law, but do a google search on FOID and you'll find lots.

Once you have the necessary state paperwork in place, find an FFL near you and ask what they charge to handle a transfer. Ask if they require it to be shipped FROM an FFL. This is not legally required, but many FFLs refuse to accept a shipment directly from an individual.

sansone

November 24, 2010, 10:21 AM

gun must be shipped to a FFL. He will want a transfer fee so call a few dealers and ask about "transfers" .. New guns are not a problem but used can be risky because condition is very variable and photos don't always show enough

CoRoMo

November 24, 2010, 10:22 AM

I was wondering if it`s a good thing to do?
I think it is a wonderful thing to do. Welcome to THR!

jimmyraythomason

November 24, 2010, 10:38 AM

Any gun shipped from outside your state must go to a dealer. you can only directly receive long guns from a resident from inside your own state by mail.
Unless the gun is C&R eligible and the recepient has an 03 C&R license(NOT a dealer). NEW guns are NOT C&R eligible.

AKElroy

November 24, 2010, 10:48 AM

Welcome to THR -- I buy my guns almost exclusively online now. The sellers I would deal with are willing to post all the pics I need to make a decision, and many provide an inspection period for the retrun of the item if it is not as described. If you are bidding in an online auction, make sure you ask the seller all the questions you can think of BEFORE bidding. Find a good local FFL to take delivery, and you are GTG.

Keep in mind that all the regular regs apply to your purchases; NICS check by your FFL & all.

jimjc

November 24, 2010, 11:08 AM

WOW!!!!! I just posted this. Talk about a great place!!!!!!!

Thanks to all for your responses, hope I can be of help in the future.

Now does anyone know about the stock market haha

GlockFan

November 24, 2010, 11:11 AM

I am in Illinois also. I have bought a few online without problem. You need to find a local ffl dealer who can receive shipment of the firearms. He will then take care of the paper work to transfer them to you. Typical charge for this around the Chicago area is $20-$30. If you have a 03 FFL, you can have this class of firearm shipped directly to your home.

supham

November 24, 2010, 11:32 AM

I've found that my local gun shops charge $40 for the transfer and they were pissed I was not buying from them. I found a gun smith that will do it for $20. I call ahead of time and let them know to be looking for the package.

Sebastian the Ibis

November 24, 2010, 12:22 PM

I call ahead of time and let them know to be looking for the package.

You pretty much always have to call ahead of time. The shipper needs to have the receiving FFL's license in hand before he can ship. That usually means you call your friendly local receiving FFL and give him the contact info of the seller, he sends a copy of his license, and the seller sends him your new gun.

jimmyraythomason

November 24, 2010, 12:45 PM

Sebastian,this is all true but if the buyer has bought from the seller before and used the same FFL,the seller may have the FFL's license on file.

stonecutter2

November 24, 2010, 01:00 PM

I live in Illinois, too.

The process is really pretty simple, like others have said.

Find a local shop that you want to do the transfer to. $20 to $40 is the going rate.

Buy the gun online and find out where the dealer needs to send info to, then go into the shop and tell them you bought something online and they need to send their info to (wherever the seller tells you).

The shop will take your FOID and start the paperwork, you'll pay your fee, and the shop will send their FFL info to the seller. When the gun shows up, you can pick it up and off you go.

If a shop gets upset that you didn't buy through them, find another dealer. The fees from these are such that they just do some paperwork and make some extra cash. One could get into a gigantic debate about whether spending another $50 to support a local shop is worth it, but the reality is that the internet lets you shop for a LOT more guns than a local shop will necessarily have, especially used guns.

Good luck with the purchase and welcome to THR :)

DAdams

November 24, 2010, 01:35 PM

I have done two transactions myself and getting ready for a third.

Both of mine thus far have been through Bud's and were seamless. I never spoke to anyone, everything was done via snail mail (checks) and email.

I wouldn't have any trouble using CDNN Sports either.
I have heard positive reports on Shooters Supply in J'Ville FL also.

You can search for a product you are seeking from Guns America or Gun Broker.com. Both have a rating systems for dealers performed by the buyers involved in the transactions.

I would do the appropriate due diligence on the dealer you are buying from and trust your LGS transfer agent on your end too.